Fresno County, CA – In the early hours of Monday, April 7, 2025, a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run collision led to 37-year-old Joshua Bowler of Fresno losing his life, according to The Fresno Bee.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports that the accident took place around 12:04 AM near the intersection of Marks Avenue and Highway 180.
Investigators said an unknown vehicle was traveling southbound in the number one lane of Marks Avenue when it struck Bowler, who was walking along the roadway. After the impact, Bowler’s body came to rest approximately 200 feet from the site of the collision. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel.
Authorities confirmed there were no witnesses to the incident and noted that only minimal physical evidence was found at the location. The driver of the vehicle did not stop and has not yet been identified. The make and model of the involved vehicle are still unknown.
Law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the case and are urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run to contact the California Highway Patrol.
California Hit-and-Run Laws
California Law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop their vehicle, notify law enforcement, and exchange insurance information with others involved. Failure to do so, considered to be a “hit-and-run,” is a misdemeanor in cases of property damage and a felony when someone has been injured.
Pedestrian Fatalities and Wrongful Death Claims
Drivers have a Duty of Care towards pedestrians, who are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents. This responsibility includes being vigilant for pedestrians near the roadway and, if a fatal collision occurs, staying with the victim, alerting emergency responders, and cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
For those who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, filing a Wrongful Death claim with the assistance of an experienced attorney can provide compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and other related damages.
Should the at-fault driver avoid legal consequences, compensation might still be available through a family member’s uninsured driver coverage.
Partial Liability in Pedestrian Accidents
California Law does not consider pedestrians to have the right-of-way under all circumstances, such as if they attempt to cross outside of a crosswalk. However, motorists are never relieved of the expectation to provide pedestrians with a Duty of Care toward their safety.
It may therefore be determined that a motorist is subject to only partial liability in a pedestrian accident. Should that be the case, they would be financially responsible for the victim’s recovery costs in proportion to their degree of liability.
Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a Fresno Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
